I bought into the McLemore hype but after watching both of them a little more I like Shabazz. Shabazz is better off the bounce and around the rim which makes me think his game will translate more easily to the NBA.

I like McLemore more. Shabazz doesn't seem to have the really elite level athleticism I expected. And he plays with a bit of bully in him, which is a good thing in my mind, but I do wonder how far he can push that as an advantage. And his game is really polished in his footwork, which also makes me wonder how much more it can develop.

That said I've seen a ton more McLemore than Muhammad, who I've seen two full games of all season.

I think Shabazz is a better NBA prospect. McLemore has elite athleticism and great shooting ability but he lacks advanced ball skills. Unless he drastically improves his ball handling and shot creation off the bounce, he'll likely be a catch and shoot guy who's also dangerous in transition ala OJ Mayo (what he was projected to be) or J-Rich. Shabazz has a high motor, can defend, and can score in a plethora of ways from all parts of the floor. That kind of versatility and one on one ability will serve him better in the NBA where he'll have more room to operate than he does in college. He doesn't have Harden's handles or playmaking ability but I see a lot of similarities in their game as college freshmen.

I think Shabazz is a better NBA prospect. McLemore has elite athleticism and great shooting ability but he lacks advanced ball skills. Unless he drastically improves his ball handling and shot creation off the bounce, he'll likely be a catch and shoot guy who's also dangerous in transition ala OJ Mayo (what he was projected to be) or J-Rich. Shabazz has a high motor, can defend, and can score in a plethora of ways from all parts of the floor. That kind of versatility and one on one ability will serve him better in the NBA where he'll have more room to operate than he does in college. He doesn't have Harden's handles or playmaking ability but I see a lot of similarities in their game as college freshmen.

Granted I haven't seen much, but Muhammad actually reminds me of a little version of Carmello. A lot of mid range action footwork wise, and physicality. And I agree that he's got a ton of ways to score. My concern is what happens if he's not an elite scorer (and that to me is what happened to Mayo, he just wasn't the elite specimen he seemed to be in his youth. He actually has a pretty solid skill set off the bounce and shooting the ball, he's just a tweener in both quickness and size)? If what I feel like is just a notch below elite athleticism affects his ability to score at the hoop, and his ability to bully defenders, what else can he bring to the table if he's not "the man"? Especially since he's got "the man" mentality too. I could see him settling in as a bench offensive focal point kind of guy, who you can mix into your starting rotation to close games or if you're chasing down a lead.

I could see McLemore settling in to a JRich kind of a career. Or maybe even a more explosive bench role like JR Smith. But I think I'd be more inclined to gamble on the god given explosiveness and hope I could develop the creativity off the bounce, especially since the jumper is so far developed already.

Mine too. Although picking an undersized PF, even one as skilled and explosive as Bennett, is sorta like taking a safety first overall in the NFL draft. He's pretty much gotta be Larry Johnson as a prospect to pull it off.

He's really undersized but at worst case scenario i could see him being like a Jason Maxiell which is not terrible.

As for Shabazz. Let me start off by saying a lot of questions must be asked about a guy who sat out ten games and gained that much weight like he did. I understand if it's an injury and you aren't playing much and you don't change your habits drastically + age and maturity level to understand that's what needed to be done. But that was not the case at all. He had no reason to show up for his first game THAT out of shape. I understand not having game legs or the conditioning 100% but 20 lbs overweight!? Why am I not surprised he plays for Howland?

As for McLemore, haven't seen a red-shirt freshman come back so much better than was expected of him so quickly. He's really improved his game a lot. He really needs to work on his handle, he's pretty predictable and seems to go to a very limited amount of moves. To his credit, he can blow by pretty much anyone at this level but in the NBA that isn't going to work. He's listed at 6'4 1/2 but he looks a lot bigger to me? I don't know, might be the Paul Harris thing all over again

Anyways, if Shabazz can pull it together and really make sure he's in shape im pretty sure he'll be much more athletic than he is now. He was doing things last year he can't right now because of the timing of his comeback and the lack of time to really get in the gym and bust his ass. He has all the tools he just needs to keep them sharp.

Shabazz is a more advanced offensive player than McLemore, and may end up the better player when all is said and done. The tourney does wonders for many players so maybe he can climb back to top spot in the scouts eyes wth a good showing (granted they make it) because, let's face it, McLemore is going to be better all-around at the combine. After that is workouts and I don't think McLemore would do anything other than a solo workout if he is a top 5 lock, same with Shabazz.